Monarch feasts on a butterfly bush the White Rock Community Garden. Courtesy/WRCG

Common milkweed among golden coreopsis at the White Rock Community Garden. Courtesy/WRCG

COMMUNITY News:

In 1992, Dr. Orley “Chip” Taylor, of the University of Kansas, founded Monarch Watch, which strives to provide the public with information about the biology of Monarch butterflies, their spectacular annual migration from Canada to Mexico, and how to use Monarchs to further science education in primary and secondary schools.

Currently, the organization engages in research on Monarch migration biology, and promotes protection of Monarch habitats throughout North America.

In March 2021, the White Rock Community Garden (WRCG) became a registered Monarch Waystation. Milkweed, other nectar sources, and sunshine provide an excellent habitat for Monarchs. The garden is filled with coneflower, milkweed, butterfly bush, aster, blanket flower, cosmos, salvia, common sunflower, butterfly weed, and rabbit bush plants.

The WRCG is located along N.M. 4, across from the White Rock Visitor Center. The garden is owned by the County of Los Alamos. It is maintained by the County, the Los Alamos Master Gardeners, community members, and has been taken on as a special project by the Summit Garden Club.

Butterfly weed. Courtesy/WRCG